Diamond bonded construction with improved braze joint

ABSTRACT

Diamond bonded constructions comprise a body comprising a plurality of bonded together diamond grains with interstitial regions disposed between the grains that are substantially free of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the body. A metallic substrate is attached to the body, and a braze joint is interposed between the body and the substrate. The body is metallized to include a metallic material disposed along a substrate attachment surface in contact with the braze joint, wherein the metallic material is different from the braze joint material. The metallic material may exist within a region of the body extending fully or partially into the body, and/or may exist as a layer extending away from the substrate attachment surface. The body includes a working surface characterized by empty interstitial regions or by interstitial regions filled with an infiltrant material, wherein the infiltrant material is different from the metallizing material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/474,136, filed on May 28, 2009, entitled “DIAMOND BONDED CONSTRUCTIONWITH IMPROVED BRAZE JOINT,” which is herein incorporated by reference inits entirety

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to constructions comprising anultra-hard component and a metallic component that are brazed togetherand, more particularly, to a thermally stable diamond bonded body thatis specially engineered to facilitate attachment with a metallicsubstrate using a braze joint in a manner that provides improvedattachment strength therebetween, thereby improving the effectiveservice life of the construction formed therefrom when compared toconventional thermally stable diamond bonded constructions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of constructions comprising ultra-hard and metallic componentsthat are joined together is well known in the art. An example of suchcan be found in the form of cutting elements comprising an ultra-hardcomponent that is joined to a metallic component. In such cuttingelement embodiment, the wear or cutting portion is formed from theultra-hard component and the metallic portion of the cutting element isattached to the wear and/or cutting device. In such known constructions,the ultra-hard component can be formed from a polycrystalline materialsuch as polycrystalline diamond (PCD), polycrystalline cubic boronnitride (PcBN), or the like, that has a degree of wear and/or abrasionresistance that is greater than that of the metallic component.

In particular examples, the ultra-hard component can be PCD that hasbeen treated so that it is substantially free of a catalyst material,e.g., a Group VIII metal from the Periodic table, that was used toform/sinter the same at high pressure/high temperature conditions, andthat comprises bonded-together diamond crystals. PCD that has beenrendered substantially free of the catalyst material is referred to asthermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) as removal of thecatalyst material has been found to improve the thermal stability of theresulting diamond body by eliminating unwanted degradation and thermalexpansion mismatches that with increasing temperature can adverselyimpact the effective service life of the diamond body.

While TSP provides desired improvements in thermal stability, a problemknown to exist with TSP is that its lack of catalyst material within thebody operates to preclude subsequent attachment of the TSP body to ametallic substrate by solvent catalyst infiltration. Further, such TSPbodies have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is sufficientlydifferent from that of conventional substrate materials (such as WC-Coand the like) that are typically infiltrated or otherwise attached to aPCD body. The attachment of such substrates to the TSP body is highlydesired to provide a TSP compact that can be readily adapted for use inmany desirable applications. However, the difference in thermalexpansion between the TSP body and the substrate, and the poorwetability of the TSP body due to the substantial absence of thecatalyst material, makes it very difficult to bond the TSP body toconventionally used substrates. Thus, some TSP bodies must be attachedor mounted directly to the desired end-use device without the presenceof an adjoining substrate.

It is known that TSP bodies can be attached to a desired metallicsubstrate through the use of a suitable braze material. However, becauseof the poor wetability of the TSP body, the attachment that is formedbetween the TSP body and the substrate by conventional brazingtechniques is one that is not as strong as the attachment bond formedbetween conventional PCD and a metallic substrate by infiltration, thusis one that can result in diminished service life due to delamination orthe like between the TSP body and the substrate.

It is, therefore, desired that constructions comprising ultra-hard andmetallic components be engineered in a manner having a desired degree ofthermal stability along with an improved degree of attachment strengththerebetween to enable the construction to withstand use in certaindemanding wear and/or cutting applications, thereby extending theservice life of such constructions when compared to conventionalultra-hard and metallic constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Diamond bonded constructions, prepared according to principles of theinvention, comprise a thermally stable diamond bonded body having amaterial microstructure comprising a plurality of bonded togetherdiamond grains with interstitial regions disposed between the diamondgrains. The interstitial regions of the diamond body are substantiallyfree of the catalyst material used to initially form/sinter the body athigh pressure/high temperature conditions. The construction comprises ametallic substrate attached to the body. A braze joint is interposedbetween the body and the substrate, and is formed from a braze material.

A feature of the diamond bonded construction is that the body ismetallized to include a metallic material disposed along a substrateattachment surface in contact with the braze joint and that is formedfrom a metallic material different from the braze joint. The metallicmaterial may be disposed within a metallized region of the bodyextending fully through or partially into the body from the substrateattachment surface. The metallic material can additionally oralternatively exist as a layer that extends a distance outwardly fromthe substrate attachment surface.

The diamond bonded construction includes a working surface comprisingempty interstitial regions or may optionally include an infiltratedregion that extends a depth into the body from the working surface,wherein the infiltrated region includes an infiltrant material that isdisposed within the interstitial regions. The infiltrant material can beselected from the group consisting of metals, metal alloys, carbideformers, and combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, theinfiltrant material is different from the metallic material.

The diamond bonded construction may further include braze attachmentlayer extending from the attachment surface and interposed between thebody metallic material and the braze material. Further, the diamondbonded construction can include a braze joint comprising a first brazematerial that is bonded to the body, a second braze material that isbonded to the substrate, and an intermediate layer of material that isinterposed between the first and second braze materials.

Diamond bonded constructions can be made by the process of treating adiamond bonded body to introduce a metallic material onto a substrateattachment surface of the body. The diamond bonded body comprises aplurality of diamond bonded grains with interstitial regions disposedbetween the diamond grains. The interstitial regions being substantiallyfree of a catalyst material used to initially form the diamond bondedbody, wherein the treating step takes place at high pressure/hightemperature conditions. During the step of treating, the metallicmaterial infiltrates into the diamond bonded body to form a metallizedregion that extends into the body fully or a partial depth from theattachment surface.

The treated diamond body is attached to a metallic substrate by the useof a braze joint comprising one or more braze materials interposedbetween the substrate and a surface of the diamond bonded bodycomprising the metallic material.

If desired, the diamond bonded body can be further treated to introducean infiltrant material into an infiltrated region of the diamond bodyextending from a working surface at high pressure/high temperatureconditions. The infiltrant material is disposed within the interstitialregions within the infiltrated region. As noted above, in an exampleembodiment, the infiltrant material is different from the metallicmaterial.

The step of treating to introduce the metallic material and treating tointroduce the infiltrant material occurs during the high pressure/hightemperature conditions. The process of making the diamond bondedconstruction further comprises joining a braze attachment layer to thediamond bonded body surface that has been treated to include themetallic material, wherein the step of joining takes place during thehigh pressure/high temperature conditions, and wherein during the stepof attaching the braze material is interposed between the substrate andthe braze attachment layer. In an example embodiment, the metallicmaterial that is used is different from that used to form the brazejoint.

Diamond bonded constructions can be made by assembling a number ofdiamond bonded bodies in one or more containers, wherein each diamondbonded body in the assembly includes the metallic material positionedadjacent the respective diamond bonded body substrate attachmentsurface, and placing the assembly of the diamond bodies and metallicmaterials into a high pressure/high temperature device for simultaneoustreating.

Diamond bonded constructions as described above are well suited for useas cutting elements or inserts used with bits for drilling subterraneanformations, wherein such bits include a body. The drill bits cancomprise a number of fixed blades projecting outwardly from the body,wherein the cutting elements are attached along the blades, or the drillbits can comprise a number of cones that are rotatably attached torespective journals extending from the body, wherein the cuttingelements are attached to the cones.

Diamond bonded constructions, prepared according to principles of theinvention, are engineered having an enhanced desired degree of thermalstability along with an improved degree of attachment strength with ametallic substrate to thereby provide improved performance propertiesand extended service life when compared to conventional thermally stablediamond bonded constructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will beappreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is view taken from a section of a diamond bonded body after ithas been treated to remove a catalyst material used to form the sametherefrom;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the diamond bonded body after it hasbeen treated to remove the catalyst material used to form the sametherefrom;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a diamond bonded bodycomprising a wetting material positioned adjacent a substrate interfacesurface;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a diamond bonded bodycomprising a wetting material positioned adjacent a substrate interfacesurface, and further comprising an optional infiltrant materialpositioned adjacent a working surface of the body;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a diamond bonded bodycomprising a wetting material positioned adjacent a substrate interfacesurface, and further comprising a braze attachment layer positionedadjacent the wetting material;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a diamond bonded bodycomprising a wetting material positioned adjacent a substrate interfacesurface, a braze attachment layer positioned adjacent the wettingmaterial, and further comprising an infiltrant material positionedadjacent a working surface of the body;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an example embodiment diamondbonded construction of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of another example embodimentdiamond bonded construction of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of another example embodimentdiamond bonded construction of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of another example embodimentdiamond bonded construction of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of a drag bit comprising a number ofthe ultra-hard and metallic constructions of this invention provided inthe form of a shear cutter;

FIG. 12 is a perspective side view of a rotary cone drill bit comprisinga number of the ultra-hard and metallic constructions of this inventionprovided in the form of inserts; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective side view of a percussion or hammer bitcomprising a number of the ultra-hard and metallic constructions of thisinvention provided in the form of inserts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Ultra-hard and metallic constructions of this invention comprise athermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) bonded body that issubstantially free of the catalyst material that was initially used tosinter the body, and that is specially engineered to accommodateattachment with a substrate or end use device by a braze joint in amanner that provides an enhanced degree of attachment strength therewithand optionally to provide an improved degree of strength and toughnessalong a working surface when compared to conventional TSP constructions.

As used herein, the term “ultra-hard” is understood to refer to thosematerials known in the art to have a grain hardness of about 4,000 HV orgreater. Such ultra-hard materials can include those capable ofdemonstrating physical stability at temperatures above about 750° C.,and for certain applications above about 1,000° C., that are formed fromconsolidated materials. Such ultra-hard materials can include but arenot limited to diamond, cubic boron nitride (cBN), diamond-like carbon,boron suboxide, aluminum manganese boride, and other materials in theboron-nitrogen-carbon phase diagram which have shown hardness valuessimilar to cBN and other ceramic materials.

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) is a useful material for forming theultra-hard component once it has been treated to remove a catalystmaterial, such as the Group VIII materials noted above used to initiallysinter or form the same at high pressure/high temperature (HPHT)conditions. As used herein, the term “catalyst material” refers to thematerial that was initially used to facilitate diamond-to-diamondbonding or sintering at the initial HPHT process conditions used to formthe PCD.

TSP has a material microstructure characterized by a polycrystallinephase comprising bonded together diamond grains or crystals, and aplurality of voids or empty pores that exist within interstitial regionsdisposed between the bonded together diamond grains. The TSP material isinitially formed by bonding together adjacent diamond grains or crystalsat HPHT process conditions. The bonding together of the diamond grainsat HPHT conditions is facilitated by the use of an appropriate catalystmaterial, such as a metal solvent catalyst selected from Group VIII ofthe Periodic table, thereby forming conventional PCD comprising thecatalyst material disposed within the plurality of voids or pores.

Diamond grains useful for forming the TSP component or body can includenatural and/or synthetic diamond powders having an average diametergrain size in the range of from submicrometer in size to 100micrometers, and more preferably in the range of from about 1 to 80micrometers. The diamond powder can contain grains having a mono ormulti-modal size distribution. In an example embodiment, the diamondpowder has an average particle grain size of approximately 20micrometers. In the event that diamond powders are used havingdifferently sized grains, the diamond grains are mixed together byconventional process, such as by ball or attritor milling for as muchtime as necessary to ensure good uniform distribution.

The diamond grain powder is preferably cleaned, to enhance thesinterability of the powder by treatment at high temperature, in avacuum or reducing atmosphere. The diamond powder mixture is loaded intoa desired container for placement within a suitable HPHT consolidationand sintering device.

The diamond powder may be combined with a desired catalyst material,e.g., a solvent metal catalyst, in the form of a powder to facilitatediamond bonding during the HPHT process and/or the catalyst material canbe provided by infiltration from a substrate positioned adjacent thediamond powder and that includes the catalyst material. Suitablesubstrates useful as a source for infiltrating the catalyst material caninclude those used to form conventional PCD materials, and can beprovided in powder, green state, and/or already sintered form. A featureof such substrate is that it includes a metal solvent catalyst that iscapable of melting and infiltrating into the adjacent volume of diamondpowder to facilitate bonding the diamond grains together during the HPHTprocess. In an example embodiment, the catalyst material is cobalt (Co),and a substrate useful for providing the same is a Co containingsubstrate, such as WC—Co.

Alternatively, the diamond powder mixture can be provided in the form ofa green-state part or mixture comprising diamond powder that is combinedwith a binding agent to provide a conformable material product, e.g., inthe form of diamond tape or other formable/conformable diamond mixtureproduct to facilitate the manufacturing process. In the event that thediamond powder is provided in the form of such a green-state part, it isdesirable that a preheating step take place before HPHT consolidationand sintering to drive off the binder material. In an exampleembodiment, the PCD material resulting from the above-described HPHTprocess may have diamond volume content in the range of from about 85 to95 percent.

The diamond powder mixture or green-state part is loaded into a desiredcontainer for placement within a suitable HPHT consolidation andsintering device. The HPHT device is activated to subject the containerto a desired HPHT condition to effect consolidation and sintering of thediamond powder. In an example embodiment, the device is controlled sothat the container is subjected to a HPHT process having a pressure of5,000 MPa or greater and a temperature of from about 1,350° C. to 1,500°C. for a predetermined period of time. At this pressure and temperature,the catalyst material melts and infiltrates into the diamond powdermixture, thereby sintering the diamond grains to form PCD. After theHPHT process is completed, the container is removed from the HPHTdevice, and the so-formed PCD material is removed from the container.

In the event that a substrate is used during the HPHT process, e.g., asa source of the catalyst material, the substrate is preferably removedprior to treating the PCD material to remove the catalyst materialtherefrom to form TSP. Alternatively, the substrate can be removedduring or after the treatment to form TSP. In a preferred embodiment,any substrate is removed prior to treatment to expedite the process ofremoving the catalyst material from the PCD body.

The term “removed”, as used with reference to the catalyst materialafter the treatment process for forming TSP, is understood to mean thata substantial portion of the catalyst material no longer resides withinthe remaining diamond bonded body. However, it is to be understood thatsome small amount of catalyst material may still remain in the resultingdiamond bonded body, e.g., within the interstitial regions and/oradhered to the surface of the diamond crystals. Additionally, the term“substantially free”, as used herein to refer to the catalyst materialin the diamond bonded body after the treatment process, is understood tomean that there may still be some small/trace amount of catalystmaterial remaining within the TSP material as noted above.

In an example embodiment, the PCD body is treated to render the entirebody substantially free of the catalyst material. This can be done, bysubjecting the PCD body to chemical treatment such as by acid leachingor aqua regia bath, electrochemical treatment such as by electrolyticprocess, by liquid metal solubility, or by liquid metal infiltrationthat sweeps the existing catalyst material away and replaces it withanother noncatalyst material during a liquid phase sintering process, orby combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, the catalyst materialis removed from the PCD body by an acid leaching technique, such as thatdisclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,380.

FIG. 1 illustrates a section of the diamond bonded/TSP body 10 resultingfrom the removal of the catalyst material therefrom. The TSP body has amaterial microstructure comprising a polycrystalline diamond phase madeup of a plurality of diamond grains or crystals 12 that are bondedtogether, and a plurality of interstitial regions 14 that are disposedbetween the bonded together diamond grains, and that exist as emptypores or voids within the material microstructure, as a result of thecatalyst material being removed therefrom.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the TSP body 16 wherein theTSP body includes a top surface 22 extending along the diamond table,and a side surface 24 that extends along a wall portion of the body. TheTSP body comprises a working surface that may include all or a portionof the top and/or side surfaces, depending on the particular end-useapplication. While the TSP body illustrated in FIG. 2 is in the form ofa wafer or disc that has a generally cylindrical side surface and flattop and bottom surfaces, it is to be understood that TSP bodies that areconfigured differently are intended to be within the scope of thisinvention. Additionally, the TSP body 16 may include one or more surfacefeatures provided to facilitate use of the construction in its end-useapplication. For example, the TSP body may at this stage of processinginclude a chamfer or a beveled surface section between the top and sidesurfaces, e.g., extending circumferentially around an edge of the topsurface, and such surface can be a working surface.

The so-formed TSP body is treated prior to being brazed to a substrate,which can be provided in the form of part that is separate from theend-use device, such as a substrate that is conventionally used formaking PCD compacts, or can be in the form of the end-use device itself.The TSP body is treated to enhance its wetability and bonding to asubstrate when the substrate is attached thereto by braze or weldingprocess, i.e., by a braze joint.

In an example embodiment, the TSP body is treated such that a surface ofthe body, that will interface with or be positioned adjacent to adesired substrate, includes a material that operates to facilitateand/or enhance the subsequent attachment with the substrate. Thetreatment can be one that provides a surface coating of a material ontoa surface of the TSP body that interfaces with the substrate and/or thatintroduces a material into a region of the TSP body extending a depthfrom the substrate interface surface. Such introduction of wettingmaterial can be into a partial region of the TSP body, i.e., partialinfiltration, or into the entire region of the TPS body, i.e., totalinfiltration.

Wetting or metalizing materials useful for this treatment can includemetallic materials, metals, metal alloys, and the like. Thus thistreatment process can be referred to as metallizing. The followingadditional types of materials can also be used; materials capable offorming carbides by reaction with the diamond in the TSP body duringHPHT processing; non-carbide forming materials; and ceramic materials.It is desired that the material used for this treatment be one thatproduces a TSP surface having a greater degree of wetability to a brazematerial than that of untreated or conventional TSP, and that produces asubsequent brazed attachment with a substrate having an enhanced bondstrength, when compared to conventional untreated TSP bodies that areattached to substrates using conventional braze techniques. If desired,such materials can also operate as a barrier to impair or preventunwanted migration or infiltration of material into the TSP body fromthe braze material and/or substrate, e.g., during the attachmentprocess.

As noted above, the wetting material is used to facilitate attachmentbetween the TSP body and substrate, and can also be used to prevent anyunwanted migration or inflitration of material into the TSP body.Additionally, the wetting material can help to accommodate any mismatchin mechanical properties that exist between the TSP body, the brazematerial, and the substrate, e.g., differences in thermal expansioncharacteristics, that may create high residual stresses in theconstruction during the attachment process. The type of materialselected as the wetting material will depend on such factors as thematerial composition of the ultra-hard material body and/or substrateand/or braze material, and the desired strength or type of bond to beformed therebetween for a certain application.

The metals and/or metal alloys useful for treating the TSP body mayinclude braze alloys, such as those used to subsequently join the TSPbody to the substrate, one or more components of such braze alloys,and/or braze alloys other than those used to join together the TSP bodyand substrate. Examples of metals and/or metal alloys useful forimproving the braze joint by infiltrating into the TSP body includethose having a melting temperature within the HPHT window for thediamond stable region and can be selected from those described belowuseful for forming the braze material.

Carbide forming materials suitable for use as the wetting materialinclude those that are capable of carburizing or reacting with carbon,e.g., diamond, in the TSP or ultra-hard material body during HPHTconditions. Suitable carbide forming materials include refractory metalssuch as those selected from Groups IV through VII of the Periodic table,and Re.

When placed adjacent the ultra-hard material body and subjected to HPHTconditions, such refractory metals may diffuse into the adjacentultra-hard body and undergo reaction with carbon present in the body toform carbide. This carbide formation operates to provide a degree ofbonding between the ultra-hard material body and the braze joint.

A feature of such carbide forming materials useful as a wetting materialis that they be capable of forming a bond with the ultra-hard materialbody and ideally with both the body and the braze joint. Further, theuse of such carbide forming material can operate as a barrier layer toprotect against unwanted migration or infiltration of any braze jointand/or substrate constituents into the ultra-hard material body.

Ceramic materials useful for forming a wetting material or layer includethose capable of undergoing a desired degree of plastic deformationduring HPHT conditions to provide a desired mechanical interlocking bondbetween the ultra-hard body material and the braze joint, e.g., duringsubstrate attachment. Example ceramic materials include TiC, Al.₂O₃,Si.₃N₄, SiC, SiAlON, TiN, ZrO₂, WC, TiB₂, AlN, SiO₂, and alsoTi._(X)AlM_(Y) (where x is between 2-3, M is carbon or nitrogen or acombination of these, and y is between 1-2). Like the carbide formingmaterials, a feature of ceramic materials useful for forming the wettingmaterial is that they also be capable of forming a bond with theultra-hard material body and with the braze joint, e.g., by HPHTprocess. Such ceramic materials can also act as a barrier layer toprotect against unwanted migration or infiltration of constituents intothe ultra-hard material body from the braze material or substrate.

Non-carbide forming materials useful as the wetting material includenon-refractory metals and high-strength braze alloys that do not reactwith carbon in the ultra-hard material body and, thus do not form acarbide. A desired characteristic of such non-refractory metals andhigh-strength braze alloys is that they be capable of infiltrating intothe ultra-hard material body during HPHT conditions, e.g., during anattachment process. These materials are not required to have a meltingtemperature below the catalyst material used to form the original TSPbody, since the original catalyst material has already been removedtherefrom. Such non-carbide forming material should be stable duringsubsequent brazing or substrate attachment process.

Suitable non-refractory metals and high-strength braze alloys includecopper, Ni—Cr alloys, and brazes containing high percentages of elementssuch as palladium and similar high strength materials, and Cn-basedactive brazes. A particularly preferred non-refractory metal useful as awetting material is copper due to its relatively low melting temperatureand its ability to form a bond of sufficient strength with the diamondbody. Titanium braze alloys may alloy some active carbide forming duringinfiltration.

While the wetting material or layer is useful for forming a desired bondbetween the ultra-hard material body and the braze joint, as noted abovein certain circumstances it is also desired that the intermediatematerial be useful as a barrier layer to prevent the undesired migrationor infiltration of materials contained within the braze joint and/orsubstrate to the ultra-hard material body. For example, when thesubstrate used is one that is formed from a cermet material including aGroup VIII metal of the Periodic table, e.g., WC—Co, it is desired thatwetting material function to prevent any unwanted infiltration of thesolvent metal catalyst, i.e., Co, into the ultra-hard material body.Such infiltration is undesired as it would operate to adversely impactthe thermal stability of the ultra-hard material body, e.g., especiallyin the case where it comprises thermally stable diamond.

The wetting material can be provided in the form of a preformed layer,e.g., in the form of a foil or the like. Alternatively, the wettingmaterial can be provided in the form of a green-state part, or can beprovided in the form of a coating that is applied to one or both of theinterface surfaces of the ultra-hard material body and the braze joint.In an example embodiment, the wetting material can be applied bychemical vapor deposition. It is to be understood that one or morelayers of the wetting material can be used to achieve the desiredbonding and/or barrier and or mechanical properties between theultra-hard material body and the braze joint.

In an example embodiment, it is desired that the material selected totreat the TSP body be one that is capable of coating the substrateinterface surface of the TSP body, and/or infiltrating into a region ofthe TSP body adjacent the substrate interface surface, during HPHTprocessing conditions. The HPHT process used for such treatment is oneconducted at pressures and temperatures that are sufficient to cause thedesired melting of the selected material and treatment of the TSP bodywithin the diamond stable pressure and temperature window.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of the invention at a stage ofprocessing where a layer of the wetting or metallic material 30 has beenpositioned adjacent to a substrate interfacing surface 32 of the TSPbody 34 for purpose of subsequent HPHT processing. The wetting material30 can be provided in the form of a powder layer, a green state part, analready sintered part, or a preformed film. In the example embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3, the wetting material 30 is provided in the formof a powder layer or a foil. The amount of wetting material 30 that isprovided will depend on whether only a surface coating along thesubstrate interface surface 32 is desired, or whether it is desired toform an infiltrated region in the TSP body extending a depth from thesubstrate interface surface. Whether a surface layer or infiltratedregion is desired will depend on a number of factors such as the type ofsubstrate and braze material that is used, as well as the end-useapplication.

A treatment providing a coated surface may be desired in instances wheremaximum thermal protection of the TSP cutting edge or working surface isrequired. An additional barrier layer coating can optimize the thermalgradient into the TSP body and thereby prolong cutting life. In anexample embodiment where a coated surface is provided, the coating mayextend a depth from the substrate interface surface of the TSP body offrom about 1 to 5 microns, preferably from about 5 to 20 microns, andmore preferably more than about 20 microns.

A treatment providing an infiltrated region within the TSP body may bedesired in instances where the metallizing powder is preferablyconsolidated and bonded to the TSP body by providing a small amount ofbraze material, transition metal alloys, or Group VIII materials. Inthese instances, braze materials and transition metal alloys can befully infiltrated into the TSP body without damaging the originaldiamond bonded network or matrix. When these materials are selected, itis desired that they have a thermal expansion rate that is more closelymatched to the thermal expansion rate of the diamond than that of thecatalyst material that was used to initially sinter the diamond bondedbody. By doing so, the subsequent bond strength of the TSP body to thedrill bit or substrate can be improved beyond that provided by theoriginal diamond/catalyst system.

When a Group VIII material is selected for use in providing themetallizing layer by infiltrating a region of the TSP body, the volumeof the Group VIII material, e.g., provided in the form of a metallizingpowder, can be made low enough so that complete infiltration of theempty pores within the TSP body does not occur, e.g., the material mayform an infiltrated region that does not extend completely through theTSP body. In such an embodiment, the TSP body retains desired improvedthermally stable properties when compared with the initialdiamond/catalyst construction, and provides properties that allowimproved attachment methods to bit bodies or substrate materials.

In an example embodiment where an infiltrated region in the TSP body isprovided, such region may extend partially into or completely throughthe TSP body from the substrate interface surface. In the event that thewetting material selected also provides desired mechanical or otherproperties to the TSP body upon HPHT processing, then infiltration ofsuch material may not be limited only to a region of the body. Forexample, in the event that the wetting material, in addition toproviding enhanced bonding properties, provides improved properties ofstrength and/or toughness to the TSP body working surface, the completeinfiltration of the same may be desired.

In an example embodiment where the infiltrated region extends completelythrough the TSP body, e.g., where a Group VIII material is used, animproved diamond bonded body can be produced by changing the alloycomposition of the infiltrant material from that of the metal catalystmaterial that was used to initially sinter the diamond bonded body, andthat was removed therefrom. As noted above, for example, the infiltrantmaterial may be selected to have thermal properties that more closelymatch that of the diamond-bonded body than that of the catalyst materialused to initially sinter the diamond-bonded body.

If desired, the wetting material may extend only a partial depth intothe TSP body from the substrate interface surface and towards a workingsurface of the TSP body. In an example embodiment, such partial depthcan be from about 0.5 to 50 microns from the working surface, preferablyfrom about 0.5 microns to ½ the TSP body thickness from the workingsurface, or more preferably about 200 to 300 microns away from workingsurface. It is to be understood that the exact depth that the wettingmaterial extends into the TSP body can and will vary depending withinthese ranges depending on such factors as the type of wetting materialused, and/or the type of braze material used, the size and/or volumecontent of the diamond grains within the TSP body, and/or the type ofsubstrate that is used. Further, it is to be understood that the workingsurface can be any surface of the TSP body including but not limited toone or more of a top surface, a side surface, and/or an edge surfaceinterposed between the top and side surfaces.

During subsequent HPHT processing of the TSP body illustrated in FIG. 3,the wetting material provides a desired coating and or infiltrates intoa desired region along the substrate interface surface as noted above.The desired coating thickness can alternatively be obtained by machiningprocess after HPHT processing, and the desired infiltration depth canalso be achieved by subjecting the TSP body to leaching process afterHPHT processing.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of the invention whereinthe TSP body illustrated in FIG. 3, comprising the wetting material 30disposed along the substrate interface surface 32, is optionally furtherprocessed so that a desired layer of infiltrant material 36 ispositioned along a top surface 38 of the TSP body. This optionaltreatment produces a TSP body, after HPHT processing, comprising both asubstrate interface surface having improved wetability for subsequentbrazing to a substrate, and a working surface comprising an infiltrantmaterial extending a depth therefrom. The presence of such infiltrantmaterial within a region of the TSP body can provide both enhancedproperties of strength and/or toughness to this region of the TSP bodyand/or can operate as a barrier to block or control the extent ofinfiltration from the wetting material during the HPHT process, e.g., sothat such wetting material does not infiltrate completely to a workingsurface of the TSP body.

In an embodiment where the wetting material is selected to act as abarrier material, its presence operates to prevent unwanted migration ofconstituents from the braze joint and/or substrate into the TSP body,thereby making the TSP body available for accommodating infiltration ofthe infiltrant material. Additionally, the presence of such a barrierwetting material can operate to block unwanted infiltration of theinfiltrant material from the TSP body into the adjacent braze joint orsubstrate.

While the infiltrant material 36 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as beingpositioned adjacent a top surface of the TSP body, the infiltrantmaterial 36 can alternatively or additionally be positioned along a sidesurface 40 of the TSP body or any other surface of the body that may ormay not be a working surface. The exact placement position for theinfiltrant material can and will vary depending on the particular TSPbody geometry and the end-use application.

Materials useful for forming the infiltrant material include metals,metal alloys, and carbide formers, i.e., materials useful for forming acarbide reaction product with the diamond in the TSP body during HPHTprocessing conditions. Example metals and metal alloys include thoseselected from Group VIII of the Periodic table, examples carbide formersinclude those comprising Si, Ti, B, and others known to produce acarbide reaction product when combined with diamond at HPHT conditions.The infiltrant material preferably has a melting temperature that iswithin the diamond stable HPHT window. The infiltrant material can beprovided in the form of a powder layer, a green state part, an alreadysintered part, or a preformed film. In the example embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, the infiltrant material 36 is provided in theform of a powder layer or a foil.

The amount of infiltrant material 36 that is provided will depend ondepth or extent of infiltration during HPHT processing. In an exampleembodiment, the infiltrant material can extend into the TSP body a depthfrom the working surface of from about 5 to 100 microns, preferably fromabout 100 to 500 microns, and more preferably throughout the TSP body,i.e., complete infiltration. The infiltrant can extend partially orcompletely through the TSP body. The exact depth that the infiltrantmaterial extends within the TSP body is understood to vary within theseranges depending on such factors as the type of material used as theinfiltrant material, the size and volume content of diamond grainsforming the TSP body, the placement position of the working surface, andthe end-use application.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein the TSPbody illustrated in FIG. 3, comprising the wetting material 30 disposedalong the substrate interface surface 32, is optionally furtherprocessed so that a braze attachment layer 42 is positioned along bottomsurface 44 of the wetting material 30. The optional placement of a brazeattachment layer 42 produces a TSP body, after HPHT processing,comprising a braze interface surface providing a further enhanced degreeof attachment between the TSP body and a desired substrate. The optionalbraze attachment layer can be used with either embodiments of the TSPbody where the wetting material is provided in the form of a coating orin the form of an infiltrated region.

Materials useful for forming the braze attachment layer includes metals,metal alloys, cermet materials, and the like. The braze attachment layercan be provided in the form of a powder layer, a green state part, analready sintered part, or a preformed film. In the example embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5, the braze attachment layer 42 is provided in theform of a preformed part, e.g., a thin metal disc.

In an example embodiment, it is desired that the braze attachment layerhave material and/or physical properties that closely match that of thebraze material used to join the TSP body to the substrate to assist informing a strong attachment therebetween. Example braze attachment layermaterials include Mo, Ti, W, binderless WC, Cu and other metals andalloys of the same having a criteria that the melting point of suchbraze attachment layer be higher than the material being used toattached the braze attachment layer to the TSP body. The type ofmaterial used to form the braze attachment layer will depend on the typeof braze material and/or substrate that is used.

Functionally, it is desired that the braze attachment layer have a highdegree of flatness to facilitate subsequent brazing. In an exampleembodiment, the braze attachment layer must be extremely thin so it doesnot adversely affect the final tolerance on the flatness requirement forsubsequent brazing. Alternatively, the braze attachment layer should besufficiently thick to permit for a secondary machine operation tocontrol and/or obtain a desired flatness. An attachment layer having ahigher thickness can decrease the thermal gradient during brazing tocause a lower residual stress in the final assembly. A higher thicknesscan also allow a high temperature braze material to be used that canimprove bond strength while maintaining a similar temperature gradient.

Conventionally, PCD compacts are formed in a single step process, i.e.,single HPHT process, using a substrate having thickness of at least 5mm, wherein the compact diamond table thickness is from 1 to 4 mm, andmost commonly 2 to 3 mm. Conventionally, a substrate thickness of about4 to 16 mm is used to form a PCD compact in a single step process havinga diamond table thickness of greater than about 1 mm. In an exampleembodiment, it is desired that the braze attachment layer have athickness that is less than about 5 mm, and more preferably less thanabout 3 mm, even for the thickest TSP bodies. Configured in this manner,the use of such thinner attachment layer saves valuable cell volume inthe HPHT apparatus that can be used to facilitate forming multiplemetallized TSP constructions when compared to conventional PCD compacts.

The exact thickness of the braze attachment layer is understood to varydepending on such factors as the type of material used as the infiltrantmaterial, the types of materials used for form the braze and/orsubstrate, the thickness and/or configuration of the TSP body, and onthe end-use application.

During subsequent HPHT processing of the TSP body illustrated in FIG. 5,the braze attachment material provides a desired layer thickness on thecoated or infiltrated substrate interface surface of the TSP body asnoted above. The desired layer thickness can alternatively be obtainedby machining process after HPHT processing.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the TSP bodyillustrated in FIG. 5 is further optionally treated to include aninfiltrant material 36 positioned along a top surface 38 of the TSP body(similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4). As described abovefor the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the infiltrant materialprovides a infiltrated region during HPHT processing that extends adepth into the TSP body 34 from the working surface, and that canprovide enhanced properties of strength and/or toughness and/or operateas a barrier to block or control the extent of infiltration from thewetting material during the HPHT process. The materials used for formingthe infiltrant material and depth of the region formed therefrom duringHPHT processing is the same as described above for the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4.

TSP bodies of this invention are made by subjecting the TSP body asassembled comprising the wetting material, any optional infiltrantmaterial, and any optional braze support layer to HPHT conditions thatare within the diamond stable region, and that are sufficient to meltthe wetting material, optional infiltrant material, and form a desiredattachment between the optional braze support layer and the wetted TSPbody. TSP bodies of this invention can be subjected to such HPHTprocessing individually, or multiple TSP bodies can be subjected to theHPHT processing at the same time to enhance manufacturing efficiency.

When processed individually, the TSP body with the wetting material andany optional infiltrant material and/or braze joint material is loadedinto a suitable HPHT container or can. The container can be formed fromthose materials conventionally used to form PCD, such as niobium,tantalum, molybdenum, zirconium, mixtures thereof and the like. Thecontainer is then loaded into a HPHT device, such as that used to formconventional PCD, and the device is operated to impose a desired highpressure/high temperature force onto the contents for a designatedperiod of time. During HPHT processing, the pressure and/or temperaturecan remain constant or can be varied as necessary to facilitate desiredprocessing of the wetting material, infiltrant material, and/or brazejoint material.

In an example embodiment, TSP body is subjected to HPHT conditions forthe purpose of melting the wetting material and optional infiltrantmaterial for the purpose of forming the desired coating or infiltratedregion adjacent the TSP body substrate interface surface, and bondingany optional braze material to the TSP body. In the event that thewetting material or optional infiltrant is a carbide former, the HPHTconditions are also selected to provide a desired amount of carbideformation. The HPHT conditions can vary depending on the type ofmaterial selected for the wetting material or optional infiltrantmaterial. In an example embodiment, the one or more containers loadedinto the HPHT device is subjected to a pressure of 4,000 Mpa or more, atemperature of from about 900° C. to 1,500° C., for a predeterminedperiod of time of from about 0.5 to 5 minutes.

After processing, the container is removed from the HPHT device and theTSP body is removed from the container and readied for attachment to asubstrate. If desired, the TSP body can be machine finished prior to orafter attached to a selected substrate. As noted above, the resultingTSP body is attached by braze or welding process to a desired substrate,which can be provided in the form of a part, e.g., a piece of sinteredcarbide, that is useful for subsequently attaching the resulting TSPconstruction to an end-use device, or which can be a portion of theend-use device itself, e.g., a socket of a drill bit.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment TSP construction 70 comprisinga TSP body 72 that is attached to a substrate 74 via a braze joint 76.TSP body includes a region 78 that extends into the body a depth fromthe substrate interface surface 80 and that includes the wettingmaterial that has been infiltrated therein during HPHT processing. Thedepth of region 78 can and will vary as noted above. In this particularexample, the region extends a partial depth and does not extendcompletely through the TSP body. The TSP body includes a working surfacethat can exist along a top surface 82, a side surface 84, and/or an edgesurface 86.

A feature of the TSP body 72 is that the substrate interface surface 80and the region 78 extending therefrom includes the wetting material,that operates to provide an enhanced attachment with a braze materialused to form braze joint 76 when compared to conventional TSP, i.e., TSPthat does not include the wetting material. In an example embodiment,the wetting material used in this embodiment can have thermalcharacteristics that are more closely matched to the diamond bondedcrystals in the TSP body than the catalyst material that was used toinitially sinter the same.

Example braze materials useful for forming the braze joint includematerials that are capable of forming a strong chemical bond between theTSP body and a desired substrate. It is desired that the braze materialincludes one or more elements that are capable of reacting with one ormore elements in the TSP body to form such strong chemical bond. Forthis reason, materials useful for forming the braze material can bereferred to as being “active” braze materials or alloys.

Example materials useful for forming the braze material include thoseselected from the group including Ag, Au, Cu, Ni, Pd, B, Cr, Si Ti, Mo,Sn, In, V, Fe, Al, Mn, Co, and mixtures and alloys thereof. Activeelements in such braze materials include strong carbide formers such asB, Si, Ti, Mo, and V. Other materials useful for forming the brazematerial include carbide forming metals, refractory transition metals,tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, and alloys thereof. Other materialsuseful for this purpose include those in Groups IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, andalloys and mixtures thereof. Other materials include silicone, titanium,niobium, zirconium, manganese, molybdenum/manganese, tungsten/manganese,tungsten/rhenium, and combinations thereof. The braze joint can beformed by using conventional braze techniques such as by vacuum brazing,induction brazing, and the like.

As noted above, the substrate 74 can be provided in the form of a partthat is separate from the end-use device, such as a cermet or carbidepart, or can be provided in the form a portion of the end-use deviceitself. Accordingly, it is to be understood that TSP bodies that havebeen treated in the manner described above can be attached directly orindirectly to the end-use device.

Suitable substrates that are provided separate from the end-use devicecan be selected from those materials typically used as substrates forforming PCD compacts, and can include metallic materials, ceramicmaterial, cermet materials, and combinations thereof. An examplesubstrate is one that is a carbide, such as one formed from WC-Co. Thesize and configuration of the substrate can and will vary depending onthe size and configuration of the TSP body and the end-use application.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example embodiment TSP construction 90comprising a TSP body 92 that is attached to a substrate 94 via a brazejoint 96. The TSP body includes a layer 98 that extends a distanceoutwardly from the a substrate interface surface 100 of the body andthat includes the wetting material that has been disposed thereon duringHPHT processing. The thickness of the layer or coating 98 can and willvary as noted above. The TSP body includes a working surface that canexist along a top surface 102, a side surface 104, and/or an edgesurface 106 of the body.

The layer 98 formed from the wetting material operates to provide anenhanced attachment with a braze material used to form braze joint 96when compared to conventional TSP, i.e., TSP that does not include thewetting material. The braze materials used to form the braze joint 98,and the metallic material used to form the substrate, can be the same asthose described above. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8,the braze joint is formed using tungsten powder, binderless WC/MoC, andtungsten/rhenium powders. This material mixture is one that displayssuperior thermal matching characteristic for rebonding the TSP body to abit body or substrate during the subsequent brazing operation.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example embodiment TSP construction 110comprising a TSP body 112 that is attached to a substrate 114 via abraze joint 116. The TSP body includes a region 118 that extends a depthinwardly from the substrate interface surface 120 of the body and thatincludes the wetting material that has infiltrated therein during HPHTprocessing. The depth of the region 118 can and will vary as notedabove. The TSP body includes a working surface that can exist along atop surface 124, a side surface 126, and/or an edge surface 128 of thebody.

This particular embodiment further comprises a braze attachment layer122 that is formed from the materials noted above and that is attachedto the TSP body during HPHT processing. The braze attachment layer 122is interposed between the wetted region 118 and the braze joint 116, andoperates to improve the attachment strength therebetween. The brazematerials used to form the braze joint 116, and material used to formthe substrate, can be the same as those described above.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example embodiment TSP construction 130comprising a TSP body 132 that is attached to a substrate 134 via afirst braze joint 136, and intermediate layer 138, and a second brazejoint 140. The TSP body may include a region 142 that extends a depthinwardly from the substrate interface surface 144 of the body and thatincludes the wetting material that has infiltrated therein during HPHTprocessing and/or may include a layer 146 of wetting material that hasbeen disposed along the substrate interface surface 144 of the bodyduring the HPHT processing. The depth of the wetted region 142 and/orthe thickness of the wetted layer 146 can and will vary as noted above.The TSP body includes a working surface that can exist along a topsurface 148, a side surface 150, and/or an edge surface 152 of the body.

The first braze joint 136 can be formed from the same braze materialnoted above, and in a preferred embodiment on that is “active” and formsa bond with the adjacent TSP body. This particular embodiment comprisesan intermediate layer 138 that can be provided in the form of a rigidpreformed element or part, and is formed from a material that is readilybrazable by both the materials used to form the first and second brazejoints.

Materials useful for forming the intermediate layer 138 includerefractory metals, ceramic materials, cermets, and combinations thereof.The intermediate layer may or may not have a thermal expansioncharacteristic that is between that of the TSP body and the substrate.It is also desired that the material used to form the intermediate layernot react with any active element in the first braze material selectedto react with the TSP body. Additionally, it is desired that thematerial selected for forming the intermediate layer have a meltingtemperature that is greater than that of the materials used to form thefirst and second braze joints, and have no or very limited solubility inboth the first and second braze materials. Example materials include Ta,W, Mo, Nb and alloys thereof, other refractory metals, ceramicmaterials, and combinations thereof. In an example embodiment where thefirst braze joint is formed from a copper-based alloy having titanium asan active element, it is desired that the intermediate layer be formedfrom the Ta, W, Mo, Nb and alloys thereof noted above.

While the intermediate layer 138 is illustrated in the form of a soliddisc-shaped structure, it is to be understood that the intermediatelayer can be configured differently as called for by the particularend-use application. For example, the intermediate layer can be providedin the form of a part having an upper and/or a bottom surface that arenonplanar, e.g., that include one or more surface features giving riseto a nonplanar configuration. The use of such a nonplanar upper and/orlower surfaces can operate to increase the surface area of theintervening layer to thereby improve the strength within the two bondjoints. The use of nonplanar upper and/or lower surfaces can alsooperate to make crack propagation along one or both of the first andsecond braze joints more difficult.

Further, the intermediate layer can be formed from a part having one ormore holes or openings disposed partially or completely therethrough.The presence of such holes or openings within one or both of the upperand lower surfaces can operate to improve the strength of the firstand/or second bond joints by virtue of one or both of the first andsecond braze materials penetrating the holes or openings. Additionally,in the case where the intermediate layer includes one or more holesextending completely therethrough, the penetration of the first andsecond braze materials into each other in the hole area can producenonuniformity or residual thermal stress in the resulting braze joints,thereby contributing to increased strength of the braze joints.

Still further, the intermediate layer can be formed from a partcharacterized by a plurality of perforations, e.g., provided in the formof a wire mesh or the like. An intermediate layer provided in this formwould produce both types of benefits noted above for the intermediatelayer with a nonplanar interface and with holes or openings.Additionally, a mesh intermediate layer would provide a strongmechanical interlocking between the intermediate layer and the brazejoints. Further, the use of such a mesh embodiment of the intermediatelayer could provide improved intermediate layer strength if the materialused to form the mesh is brittle.

The second braze joint 140 can be formed from a material that is thesame or different from that used to form the first braze joint. In anexample embodiment, the material that is used to form the second brazejoint is different from that used to form the first braze joint, and isspecially formulated to form an optimal bond with the substrate. Theterm “different” as used to describe the first and second braze jointmaterials is understood to cover situations where the braze materialsmay comprise an alloy formed from the same general elements but indifferent proportions, as well as comprising an alloy including one ormore different elements. In an example embodiment, the second brazematerial does not include an active element that is a strong carbideformer. Example materials useful for forming the second braze materialinclude those selected from the group including Ag, Au, Sn, Cu, Ni, Pd,In, Cr, Fe, Al, Mn, Co, and mixtures and alloys thereof.

It is to be understood that the specific choice of material that will beused to form the second braze joint will depend on such factors as thetypes of materials used to form the intermediate layer and thesubstrate, as well as the particular end-use application. Additionally,it is to be understood that the thicknesses of the first and secondbraze joints can be the same or different.

While particular example embodiment TSP constructions have beendisclosed above and illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, it is understood thatvariations of these example embodiment are understood within the scopeof the invention. For example, while the examples illustrated in FIGS. 7to 10 do not include a TSP body comprising an infiltrant regionextending a depth into the body from a working surface, it is to beunderstood that such embodiment are within the scope of this invention.

A feature of ultra-hard and metallic constructions of this invention isthat the TSP body included therein has been treated at HPHT conditionsto form a wetted region and/or layer that is positioned along asubstrate interface surface, which region and/or surface operates toprovide an improved degree of bond strength to a braze joint between theTSP body and a substrate, when compared to conventional TSP that doesnot include such wetted region and/or layer. A further feature ofconstructions of this invention is that the TSP body may additionallycomprise an infiltrant region formed during HPHT conditions that extendsa depth from a working surface and that enhances one or more physical ormechanical properties of the TSP construction.

Ultra-hard and metallic constructions of this invention can be used in anumber of different applications, such as tools for mining, cutting,machining, milling and construction applications, wherein properties ofshear strength, thermal stability, wear and abrasion resistance,mechanical strength, and/or reduced thermal residual stress are highlydesired. Constructions of this invention are particularly well suitedfor forming working, wear and/or cutting elements in machine tools anddrill and mining bits such as roller cone rock bits, percussion orhammer bits, diamond bits, and shear cutters used in subterraneandrilling applications.

FIG. 11 illustrates a drag bit 162 comprising a plurality of cuttingelements made from ultra-hard and metallic constructions of thisinvention configured in the form of shear cutters 164. The shear cutters164 are each attached to blades 166 that extend from a head 168 of thedrag bit for cutting against the subterranean formation being drilled.The shear cutters 164 are attached by conventional welding or brazingtechnique to the blades and are positioned to provide a desired cuttingsurface.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rotary or roller cone drill bit in the form of arock bit 170 comprising a number of the ultra-hard and metallicconstructions of this invention provided in the form of wear or cuttinginserts 172. The rock bit 170 comprises a body 174 having three legs176, and a roller cutter cone 178 mounted on a lower end of each leg.The inserts 172 can be formed according to the methods described above.The inserts 172 are provided in the surfaces of each cutter cone 178 forbearing on a rock formation being drilled. In an example embodiment, theinserts can be positioned along the gage and/or heel row of the drillbit.

FIG. 13 illustrates the inserts described above as used with apercussion or hammer bit 180. The hammer bit comprises a hollow steelbody 182 having a threaded pin 184 on an end of the body for assemblingthe bit onto a drill string (not shown) for drilling oil wells and thelike. A plurality of the inserts 172 are provided in the surface of ahead 186 of the body 182 for bearing on the subterranean formation beingdrilled.

Other modifications and variations of ultra-hard and metallicconstructions of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, this invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described.

What is claimed:
 1. A diamond bonded construction comprising: a bodycomprising a plurality of bonded together diamond grains withinterstitial regions disposed between the diamond grains, wherein theinterstitial regions are substantially free of a catalyst material usedto initially form the body at high pressure/high temperature conditions,and wherein a population of the interstitial regions includes aninfiltrant material disposed therein; a metallic substrate attached tothe body; and a braze joint interposed between the body and thesubstrate, wherein the braze joint is formed from a braze material;wherein the body includes a metallic material disposed along a substrateattachment surface and in contact with the braze joint.
 2. Theconstruction as recited in claim 1 wherein the metallic material isdifferent from the braze joint.
 3. The construction as recited in claim1 wherein infiltrant material is different from the metallic material.4. The construction as recited in claim 1 wherein the infiltrantmaterial extends from a working surface opposite the substrateattachment surface a partial depth within the diamond body.
 5. Theconstruction as recited in claim 1 wherein the infiltrant materialextends throughout the diamond body.
 6. The construction as recited inclaim 1 wherein the infiltrant material extends from a working surfacepositioned along a peripheral edge of the diamond body.
 7. Theconstruction as recited in claim 2 wherein the metallic material is acarbide wetting material.
 8. A bit for drilling subterranean earthenformations comprising a body and a number of cutting elementsoperatively attached to the body, wherein at least one of the cuttingelements comprises the construction as recited in claim
 1. 9. A diamondbonded construction comprising: a body comprising a plurality of bondedtogether diamond grains with interstitial regions disposed between thediamond grains, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially freeof a catalyst material used to initially form the body at highpressure/high temperature conditions; a metallic substrate attached tothe body; and a braze joint interposed between the body and thesubstrate, wherein the braze joint comprises two or more different brazematerial layers; wherein the body includes a metallic material disposedalong a substrate attachment surface and in contact with the brazejoint, and wherein the metallic material is different from the brazejoint.
 10. The construction as recited in claim 9 wherein the brazejoint further comprises an intermediate metal layer interposed betweenthe different braze material layers.
 11. The construction as recited inclaim 9 wherein a population of the interstitial regions in the diamondbody includes an infiltrant material disposed wherein.
 12. Theconstruction as recited in claim 9 wherein the metallic material is acarbide wetting material.
 13. A bit for drilling subterranean earthenformations comprising a body and a number of cutting elementsoperatively attached to the body, wherein at least one of the cuttingelements comprises the construction as recited in claim
 9. 14. A diamondbonded construction comprising: a body comprising a plurality of bondedtogether diamond grains with interstitial regions disposed between thediamond grains, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially freeof a catalyst material used to initially form the body at highpressure/high temperature conditions; a metallic substrate that isattached to the body; and a braze joint interposed between the body andthe substrate, wherein the braze joint is formed from a braze material;wherein the body includes a first metallic material bonded to asubstrate attachment surface, and wherein the construction includes asecond metallic material that is interposed between the first metallicmaterial and the braze joint.
 15. The construction as recited in claim14 wherein one or both of the first and second metallic materials is acarbide wetting material.
 16. A method for making a diamond bondedconstruction comprising the steps of: combining a sintered diamond bodywith a metallic material and subjecting the same to high pressure/hightemperature conditions sufficient to form a metalized surface along asubstrate attachment surface of the sintered diamond body, wherein thesintered diamond body comprises a plurality of diamond bonded grainswith interstitial regions disposed between the diamond grains, theinterstitial regions being substantially free of a catalyst materialused to initially form the sintered diamond body, wherein the treatingstep takes place at high pressure/high temperature conditions, andwherein an infiltrant material is disposed within a population of theinterstitial regions; and attaching the sintered diamond body to ametallic substrate by the use of a braze joint comprising a brazematerials interposed between the substrate and metalized surface of thediamond body.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16 wherein the metallicmaterial is initially provided as a carbide former, and wherein duringthe high pressure/high temperature conditions the carbide former reactswith the diamond to form a carbide.
 18. The method as recited in claim16 wherein the metallic material is disposed a partial depth within thediamond body extending from the substrate attachment surface.
 19. Themethod as recited in claim 16 wherein the infiltrant material isdisposed within the diamond body during high pressure/high temperatureconditions.
 20. The method as recited in claim 16 wherein the infiltrantmaterial is disposed within the diamond body during the step ofcombining.